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Established Camping

Randolph County State Recreation Area

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Randolph County State Recreation Area, near Chester, Illinois, is a solid spot for camping, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors. With a nice little lake and plenty of shaded areas, it’s a great place to kick back and relax or get active with some hiking and boating.

The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, so you can choose what suits you best. Many visitors have pointed out that the sites are well-maintained, with clean facilities and a dump station available. As one camper noted, “The grounds are well maintained. Lots of nice tall trees for shade.”

If you’re into fishing, you’ll appreciate the lake, which is a popular spot for casting a line. There are also trails nearby for those who want to stretch their legs and explore the natural beauty of the area. Just keep in mind that the RV sites can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Randolph County State Recreation Area has a lot to offer for a fun and relaxing getaway.

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Location

Randolph County State Recreation Area is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located just northeast of Chester on Palestine Road. Coming south on State Route 3 turn left at Shawneetown Trail crossroad. Turn right on Palestine Road. Follow signs. Entrance is on left on Palestine Road. Coming north on State Route 3 to Chester. Follow signs in Chester to Palestine Road. Entrance to right on Palestine Road.

Address

4301 S Lake Dr
Chester, IL 62233

Coordinates

37.97200019 N
89.80500018 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 2, 2023

Best sites are walk in only

Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. $18 a night. Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by Matthew H., January 2, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2022

Tent camping

Plenty of tent camping sites. There are primitive also. Great Lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike. Looks like the rv site can get booked up on weekends.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Ok but crowded

The grounds are well maintained. Lots of nice tall trees for shade and grass is mowed on the regular.  There are a few spigots around for fresh water. There a couple hiking trails. But, the RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings at least in the Pine Ridge campground--not sure about the other campgrounds. Plenty of people and dogs to be heard, most hours of the day.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Nice quaint campground

This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

Park Information:

West Central Illinois

4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

618-826-2706

N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by J K., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by J K., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by J K., August 10, 2019
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Nice little lake

This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating. There is also hunting, so some seasons are iffy. There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station. Modern shower and bathroom. Located five miles northeast of Chester IL for supplies.

  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by Joel R., April 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by Joel R., April 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Randolph County State Recreation Area by Joel R., April 11, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Randolph County State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Randolph County State Recreation Area has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Randolph County State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Randolph County State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Randolph County State Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Randolph County State Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Randolph County State Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.